Common Man Initiative: A platform for the unheard

A non-governmental organization by the name of Common Man Initiative (CMI) was officially launched on the 7th of April, 2018 at the Faletti’s Hotel. A plethora of men and women from all walks of attended the launching ceremony.

Notable figures from the bureaucracy, army, prominent journalists, and members of the academic and legal fraternity attended the event. CMI officials made sure to invite all the people (from humbler backgrounds) that had so far been interviewed and featured on the CMI platform.

In order to ensure the organization’s finger remains on the pulse of public discourse, polls will be conducted on the website to give the general public a direct say in the problem areas identified by CMI,and the priority they should give to each.

There were 9 speakers on stage, sporting a diverse set of credentials: Mr. Ayyaz Amir, Mr. Ejaz Haider, Mr. Khalid Maqbool, Mr. Tariq Khosa, Mr. Shehzad Qaiser, Ms. Roseena, Mr. Mohammad Ramzan, Mrs. Fatima tuz Zahra Eice, and the director of CMI, Mr. Saad Rasool. The message and mission of the organization were explained by Mrs. Eice and Mr. Rasool along with speeches from CMI’s decorated board members, a domestic worker and a cycle repairman. Their take on the woes of society and how CMI could tackle those best were all put forward.

Questions were taken from the audience and a lively debate ensued among people that may not have otherwise had a chance to share their diverging opinions- truly embodying the essence and spirit of CMI and its founding tenets. CMI officials told the audience that this NGO is working towards identifying shortcomings found within state policy and its legal framework, while also critically evaluating implementation hurdles, via targeted, solution-based academic papers authored by curated field experts.

How does CMI work?

The primary work of CMI arequarterly publications, highlighting matters of pressing importance that require prompt action; the coming publication will include papers on electoral law reform, urban policing, the right to education (Article 27-A) and its implementation across each province, and an assessment of child sexual abuse laws. Supplementary to these academic papers are 3 additional features:

Common Man Stories

A team steps out on to the streets and collects stories from people of varied socio-economic backgrounds. The stories are compiled and all testimonies of hardship, triumph, failure and wisdom are shared on CMI’s website and all social media platforms. This feature allows for a greater connect with the common man, placing them in the center of all of CMI’s discourse. These stories make the organization and all its readers privy to the real problems of the disenfranchised common man.

Unsung Heroes

Pakistan has many accomplished women and men who have achieved great feats with meager recognition. Heroes within our country that are not given the praise they deserve are given space on CMI’s platform. Their stories and accomplishments are put together and made available for viewing on CMI’s website and social media accounts.

Opinion Polls

In order to ensure the organization’s finger remains on the pulse of public discourse, polls will be conducted on the website to give the general public a direct say in the problem areas identified by CMI,and the priority they should give to each. Essentially, making sure the publications every quarter are truly indicative of the generalized community outlook.

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